South Korea has made Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) certification mandatory for all foreign food facilities exporting into the country, in an effort to tighten its control over imported food safety hazards.

Previously, the standard operating procedure for foreign food facilities wishing to export to South Korea was to pre-register as an ‘Excellent Overseas Food Facility’ with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety online or via postal mail.

According to data from the United States Department of Agriculture, this included processed food products, agricultural products such as grains and fruits, health functional foods, fishery products, food additives, and food packaging/containers/equipment facilities.